tips for enjoying the holidays with less stress

photo by clarissa fidler

November is here, which means the holiday season is kicking into high gear. Today on the Spokane County Library District blog, I'm sharing my personal strategies for combating the stress of the holiday season, getting everything done, and still finding joy in the process.

Click here to read my post. Cheers to a wonderful (less stressful) holiday season!

unique holiday gifts for couples under $50

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November is right around the corner, which means the holiday season is about to kick into high gear. Just a few days ago I was perusing Target and let out a short squeal of glee when I saw the Christmas aisle. To say that my family loves Christmas would be a bit of an understatement.

One of my favorite parts about the holidays is being able to give thoughtful, unique gifts to the people I love. Most of my friends are married or engaged, which poses a little bit of a dilemma when it comes to what kind of gift to get them. It can be a struggle to find something special that doesn't cost a fortune and someone will actually like and use.

I recently discovered UncommonGoods, an online site where you can find a variety of unique artisan goods for anyone on your list (including yourself). Every product includes an engaging description along with a profile of the artist who made the item, which I think is super cool. Not only am I impressed by the quality of their products, they're also really committed to sustainability, which I can't help but admire. At checkout you can even select a non-profit organization to receive a $1 donation from the company.

To help you check off some couples on your holiday gift list, I've rounded up six of my favorite gift ideas that are all under $50. I've also pinned many more to my Pinterest board. There are definitely more than a few things I'd like to put on my Christmas list. Visit UncommonGoods to see more gift ideas for couples, amazing home products, unique artwork, and more!

This post is sponsored by UncommonGoods. All opinions are my own. 

What are you doing New Year's Eve?

New Year's Eve Party, 1952

Most single people hate Valentine's Day, right? Not this girl. Bring on the pink, chocolate, and hearts. But the handsome crooner singing "What are you doing New Year's, New Year's Eve?"--he can stick it. I've had too many romantic letdowns and failed party attempts to have any admiration for the holiday.

So this year instead of having to figure out how to spend the one holiday I despise, I decided it would be the perfect day to head back to Chicago after spending Christmas in Utah. Based on my experience tonight, December 31st appears to be a very popular travel day for families. I've flown a lot this year and I've never had so many kids on my flight. It was super noisy and crowded. Midway was a nightmare too thanks to a winter storm hitting Chicago. It took forever to get my bags and then I hauled Harper and all my crap onto the train. What an adventure! This crazy cat lady has never been so happy to be back in her own apartment.

While I'm not a New Year's Eve fan, I am happy for the fresh start of a new year. A symbolic reset button is always welcome in my world. 2014 is sure to bring exciting changes and milestones. In six months I'll have my master's degree. I can hardly believe it. I don't know what's next but I'm excited for the future.

Forget New Year's Eve but here's to a Happy New Year!

(And At Christmas You Tell the Truth)

The truth is I gave my heart away some time ago. Years have passed and I'm still trying to put all the pieces back together. My wounds have healed but some unanswered questions remain. Maybe they always will. Among other things, I've learned that sometimes you have to live without your ideal form of closure.

Reflecting on the past in an attempt to understand the present and move forward towards the future, I often wonder: What emotions or memories has time blurred? How much of what I remember or think about is based in reality? I know that at 22 I was as hopeful and foolish as a Taylor Swift love song. Desperate to make sense of impending post-college life and feeling completely alone, I clutched at everything I thought would bring me closer to the picture I had in my mind of what my life was supposed to look like. That approach didn't work very well. Happily, I've survived and become a better person for it.

For awhile I was so hurt and confused I didn't know how to get my heart back. To be honest, I don't think I really wanted it back. It was mine to give and I wanted nothing more than to start a life with someone I loved by my side. The dream had become tangible for the first time and yet, it still eluded my grasp.

Last Christmas my little sister got married. This summer my three closest college roommates, including my best friend, said "I do". My brother also tied the knot. Here in Chicago the majority of my friends and coworkers are either married or in serious relationships. It's no exaggeration that I'm often the only "single" person.

Maturity and time have provided me with much needed insight and perspective. I'm surrounded by couples and I can truthfully say I'm genuinely happy for them. Do I wish I had the relationship portion of my life figured out already? Absolutely. Do I want to be married and have a family? More than anything. Am I learning to embrace who I am and the life I'm living? Every day.

The truth is I'm still trying to figure myself and love out. That's ok. Love is actually all around.

Happy Memorial Day!

Happy Memorial Day! What are you doing during this long weekend?

I've got to get my lazy butt out of bed and go running. My 5K race is less than a month away and I haven't run in three weeks. Ahhh! 

Like many red-blooded Americans, I'm using the holiday weekend to go SHOPPING (sad but true). I started off this morning with some lovely purchases from the J. Crew Factory store (50% everything online today). 

dress / sandals

Once I get back from my run, I'm headed downtown to my favorite donut shop, Firecakes. I've been craving their lemon verbena meringue donut for weeks now. After that I'm on a quest to find a pair of brown flat sandals and some fantastic summer wedges. I'm going to try and sneak in a viewing of The Great Gatsby too. 

On a more serious note, I am incredibly grateful for my ancestors who have gone before me and the brave men and women who've paid the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our freedom. It is important to reflect on past journeys if we are to find meaning and substance in our own. Be brave and fight the good fight. Those who have gone before you are cheering you on. I believe that with all of my heart.

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Wednesday Wisdom: Finding Joy

photo by Hanne Johansen

I know today's Wednesday Wisdom should probably include the word "thankful" or "gratitude", but I think this quote evokes a message of thanksgiving in a different way. Finding joy in life is a never ending quest. Acceptance and balance are both concepts that are difficult to grasp and fully embrace.

We all have a different story. However, many times I find myself focused on what I think my story should be rather than making peace with my reality. While I'm constantly working to maintain a calm, content state of being, it's definitely something I've improved upon over the years transitioning from teenager to young adult.

It takes a lot to live. People break our hearts. We lose homes, friends, and loved ones. Wrong decisions produce consequences. A lack of consistency can plague us from day-to-day. Tragedy besets even the best of people.

So how do we keep going? How do we find the joy that's been promised to us? As Tolstoy admonishes, it's all about our perspective and acceptance of the here and now.

Thanksgiving is a good reminder to focus on the good in life rather than its deficiencies. I am grateful that despite the challenges life presents I know what is really important--my relationship with my family, friends, and Savior.

Joy is possible, we just have to be willing to find it.

winter dreams in red, white, and blue

snow / moss stitch / fair isle / zigzag / striped

Hats are a major winter necessity here in the Windy City. Even if the temperature seems mild, gusts of wind regularly materialize seemingly out of nowhere. The city has definitely earned it's nickname.

Lately my winter hat musings have taken on a red, white, and blue theme. I particularly love the snow hat from Target. I think it's very Kate Spade (and at a fraction of the cost)! 

Thanks For...Good Friends

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I wanted to start this yesterday but the first of November got away from me. In honor of Thanksgiving, every day this month I'm going to post one thing I'm thankful for. I think it'll be a fun way to stay focused on the things that matter most and express my gratitude for the many blessings in my life.

What are you thankful for today?

go ahead, eat some candy...

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Happy Halloween! Isn't this image adorable and hilarious? I can't get over it. Totally made my day. I can hardly believe it's the end of October. In a week I'll be done with fall quarter for grad school. Crazy.

Chicago in the fall is lovely. Every day I find joy walking home from the bus crunching leaves under my feet. So many people say fall is their favorite time of year. I know it's mine. Pumpkins. Leaves. Halloween. Sweaters. Thanksgiving. Caramel Apple Spice drinks. Boots. It all makes me happy to be alive.

I hope you've all had a wonderful October. Make sure you eat some candy today. October 31 without candy just isn't right. Indulge.

Here's to a splendid November!

top 10 reasons fall is better than summer

For all of you summer lovers, I apologize in advance. This girl has never been much of a summer fan (insert gasp here). I'm sick of dripping with sweat everywhere I go and having to run my air conditioner 24/7. So, in true David Letterman style, I've composed a top 10 list for why I think fall is better than summer.

top 10 reasons fall is better than summer

10. 95 degree weather with 85% humidity is long gone

9.   the clothes: boots, sweaters, tights, flannel, corduroy, wool socks etc.

8.   apple picking and apple pie

7.   football games with friends

6.   hot chocolate and caramel apple cider, preferably consuming both in the same day

5.   pumpkins: pie, scones, candles, the pumpkin patch, jack-o-lanterns...you get the idea

4.   the holidays: turkey day, halloween decorations, crafting with mom, sparkling cider

3.   reading just seems more appealing

2.   fall leaves: the colors, the crunch, the piles

And, the #1 reason fall is better than summer is...wait for it, wait for it...shaved legs and perfectly painted toes are no longer required! (I love a good pedicure but all the summer body maintenance is exhausting, not to mention expensive)

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Valentine's Day in The Windy City...

On my way to work I saw a dad and his little boy putting the finishing touch on his valentine's inside Caribou Coffee. So adorable.

At work I popped a few Twix bars and sent e-valentines to family and friends. During my lunch break I took a trip to Molly's Cupcakes for one of their red velvet treats. Before leaving work for the day I ordered takeout from my local Joy's Noodles.

On the walk home I passed more than a few men carrying flowers. Couples held hands as they strolled into restaurants for a romantic evening.

Harper and I enjoyed watching the latest episode of Hart of Dixie while I savored my Phad Thai. I watched "Valentine's Day" while I did my dishes.

Before going to bed I had a fabulous Skype date with my high school bestie, Miss Keely Coxon. I love that girl so much.

Valentine's Day 2012...the best day of my otherwise crappy week.

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Holiday Dramas & Romantic Comedies

There are so many wonderful Christmas movies I consider my favorites. Watching them makes me excited to spend time with my family, brings me joy through laughter, and reminds me of the true spirit of Christmas.

Here are the dramas and romantic comedies that are at the top of my holiday movie list:

My first Chicago Thanksgiving...

Thanksgiving is such a happy holiday. Everyone seems a little more generous, a little more forgiving. Christmas is around the corner. Lights twinkle around town. Food drives make you grateful for your blessings. Leaves still clutter the ground.

This year Harper and I made our own mini Thanksgiving dinner complete with turkey, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, stuffing (stove top baby!), Martinelli's (which cost me $4.50 for one bottle, totally ridiculous), and double-layer pumpkin pie. When I got the turkey out Harper was very intrigued and jumped up on the table to help. She's always trying to help out her mamma.

Even though I'm over 2,000 miles away thanks to the wonders of technology I still got to have Thanksgiving dinner with my family via Skype. I ate my dinner while they ate theirs and we talked just like I was actually there.

Skype is one of the things I'm most grateful for this year. Spending $25 on a webcam for my family was money well spent. It makes being far away easier. The phone is great, but being able to see everyone at once and the dogs brawling in the background is comforting. Family feels tangible.

The list could go on and on but here are 10 things I'm grateful for this year:

1) Surviving my first quarter of grad school
2) My little muffin Harper
3) The amazing city of Chicago
4) Skype (such an amazing invention)
5) Pinterest (I could spend all day on there)
6) Five Guys (I could eat there everyday)
7) Diet Coke with lemon and lime (sooo good)
8) My awesome neighborhood and apartment
9) The fact that all of my girls are home from their missions!
10) Good books and compelling articles that inspire me to be a better writer

O' Christmas Tree...

I think it's going to be a Charlie Brown Christmas this year. I really want to buy a real tree but it's just not practical with little Harper and the fact that I'm leaving for over a week to visit my family for Christmas. Plus, it's only $20 and you can't help but smile when you look at this sweet little tree. After all...it does need some tender loving care.

Halloween Then and Now....

In honor of Halloween 2011, check out this great photo gallery put together by LIFE. I love all of the vintage images. I don't know why, but they just do not compare to today's photographers. My nostalgia seems to get the better of me when it comes to photographs. Enjoy!

LIFE Halloween Then and Now photo gallery